The Michaela Way | Katharine Birbalsingh

Katharine is a leading figure in education practice and policy and founder as well as principal of London's Michaela Community School.

It’s no secret that Australian schools’ performance has been in decline for many years. That’s not for a lack of funding, nor a lack of commitment from countless dedicated educators. But more can be done to advance the learning of all students, no matter their background.

It’s a culture of high expectations, consistently well-managed classes, high behavioural standards, and commitment to explicit teaching that are the not-so-secret sauce behind educational success.
There is no better example of this in the world than the London-based, Michaela Community School.

Despite serving mostly disadvantaged students, they’ve delivered exceptional outcomes. More than half of their school leavers have achieved the equivalent of an A grade — more than 2.5 times better than the national average — helping to earn Michaela international praise.
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[GAUROCH]

What an amazing woman and teacher... are there anymore somewhere?
Bravo!

[pauliberg]

Excellent, this woman should get the NOBEL PRIZE.

[redbaron]

Yes we are all inclined to take the easy route but that is seldom the right route. Brave smart woman, well done, what a service to mankind you are performing.

[manusha]

Reminds me of every teacher I ever had back in the 80s 😂 absolutely loved every one of them! ❤

[stevep]

Ms. Birbalsingh's Michaela School is set up in an old office block in Wembley, next to what was once the worst social housing estate in London. She has created, through her energy, a free state school for London children, that is the envy of many parents & teachers.
She's about to start another Michaela Community School in Stevenage.
Knowledge is Power (Discipline is controlling that power).

[bhobba]

What a wonderful person. Very, very few people bring me to tears - she does.

[writereducator]

I think another way of describing Ms. Birbalsigh's category of "traditional values" is simply "virtues": respect, responsibility, courtesy, hard work, justice, etc .

[danieleugenewilliams]

The best teacher that I ever had in primary school was Sister Mary Nelson. She was an amazing teacher who held us accountable for our actions and decisions. She would be considered “mean” by today’s standards. Katherine Birbalsingh reminds me of her in many ways.

[grahampayne]

Beautiful lady with passion for kids to learn

[shaunehuolohan]

Asian schools have done this for centuries.

[alexeagle]

as a (homeroom) teacher in Taiwan sitting at my desk, after school, listening to this speech, I can't help but feel stunned by her passion. Feeling a bit watery in my eyes also😂

[sallylines]

I wandered into this video! How absolutely fantastic to hear this wonderful woman speak such a committed sensible, educator, I feel bless to hear her message. 👩🏽‍🎓

[xhlbovt]

I've just heard on the news it's the best performing school in the country and still it is receiving negative comments...some parents are unbelievable...they are going to help your children succeed wake up!

[ezinafauda]

A wonderful powerful human being! Totally understands the power of discipline and how important it is to eradicate this horrible victimhood nonsense that is invading our world.

[NathanDuP]

The problem is I am white and not rich... So it's even harder, but yes I absolutely agree with your outlook and on education. There must be accountability, discipline and structure. Please keep fighting! Please open a franchise of schools! I would like to open a branch of Michaela in Australia!

[doggod]

Amen sister! The Lady Jesus of the Education system. ❤

[DieFlabbergast]

You have to be cruel to be kind. "Kindness" and nothing but kindness to children is all about feeling good about yourself: you don't give a f**k about the children themselves. Nor do you give a damn about society as a whole: the innocent people who will be harmed by children who grow up to be criminals or welfare dependents. All this that Ms. Birbalsingh says is nothing more than common sense. Most countries in the world understand this so deeply that it goes without saying.

[kathyhawkins]

Absolutely wonderful the work you are doing. Thankyou.

[trevorjones]

It is quite clear from every interview Katharine has done that her brave approach has been badly needed. I worked in a school once where 'discipline' was a bad word and much maligned practice, and those teachers who tried to instill and impose it were ostracised. I would, however, like to see lots of evidence of what happens in the arts in Michaela School. Where are the choirs, instrumental ensembles and instrumental lessons, orchestras, stage productions, plays, art exhibitions etc? The arts and performance are important parts of the curriculum, and must blend into the ability of students to organise themselves in a self-disciplined way. Show us the evidence.

[jeffreydamonte]

Put her in charge of Australian, British and American education!